Health experts agree that raising taxes is the most effective way to reduce tobacco use. But many states have not significantly increased their cigarette fees in decades, bowing to pressure from tobacco lobbyists.

Health experts agree that raising taxes is the most effective way to reduce tobacco use. But many states have not significantly increased their cigarette fees in decades, bowing to pressure from tobacco lobbyists.

Alaska Sen. Lisa Murkowski expressed dismay in President Donald Trump’s decision this week to revive a rule that prohibits federal spending abroad on organizations that also perform abortions or provide information about such procedures.

Alaska Sen. Lisa Murkowski expressed dismay in President Donald Trump’s decision this week to revive a rule that prohibits federal spending abroad on organizations that also perform abortions or provide information about such procedures.

Sensing a political opportunity they have not had in more than a decade, social conservatives are preparing for a lengthy fight over abortion rights that promises to widen the culture war fissures that Republicans have tried for years to bridge.